Portland terrorism trial: Undercover FBI agent says Mohamed Mohamud was eager to 'become operational': Bryan Denson writes a captivating report on Monday's terrorism trial, which started testimony against Mohamed Mohamud, accused of trying to set off a bomb at Portland's 2010 holiday tree-lighting ceremony, with the undercover FBI agent who first contacted Mohamud in a sting operation. During testimony the agent said during their first meeting Mohamud said he wanted to help the Islamist cause, so the agent outlined five ways Mohamud could: He could pray five times a day; get degrees in engineering or medicine; raise money for the brothers overseas; become operational; or become a martyr. Mohamud, he testified, said he wanted to become operational and do what other brothers had done. He suggested a car bombing, possibly in Washington, D.C., the nation's seat of power, Youssef said. But Mohamud acknowledged he didn't know the city. The agent suggested a Portland target, he testified. Within three weeks, prosecutors allege, Mohamud would outline his plans for a bombing at Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The trial continues today with Youssef on the witness stand. Mohamud is charged with a single count of attempting to ignite a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a potential punishment of up to life in prison.

Portland spends $8,000 to repair former Mayor Sam Adams' city Prius: Portland's former Mayor Sam Adams walked away unhurt from a minor collision with a bicyclist in 2011, as did the rider. But the 2005 city-owned gold Prius that Adams was driving near City Hall that June afternoon looked a little worse for the wear, with a big scratch from the crash that matched several other dings and dents from other occasions, Beth Slovic reports. Before handing over the keys of the Prius to Mayor Charlie Hales this month, Portland's vehicle division fixed up the hybrid car, replacing its bumper and getting rid of all previous signs of damage. (It also removed the "PDX" bumper sticker Adams had affixed to the rear window.) The cost of the repairs? $8,165.11. Read what the finance office had to say in Beth's report.

Black pioneers came to Oregon with railroad, stayed through determination: Opening today is an exhibit about black railroad workers in Portland. Here's my story for background, and check out the exhibit at the Oregon History Museum, 1200 S.W. Park Ave., open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free for Multnomah County residents; just have proof of residency with you. There are also three panel discussions -- one each in January, February and March -- to meet kids of railroad workers and learn more about the era.

A potluck dinner (that organizers hope won't include pork or pork products) will begin at 6:30 p.m., and a 45-minute discussion of the movie will begin at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This morning the Goose Hollow Vision Realization Committee meeting was canceled. Also cancelled this afternoon: Old Town-Chinatown Land Use Design Review meeting, which was scheduled for 3-4:30 p.m. at the University of Oregon on N.W. Couch.